Abstract: A device is taught for pumping fluid from a downhole reservoir up to surface. The device comprises a conduit extending through at least a portion an axial bore of the rotor unit and in communication with one or more recirculation inlets for receiving a recirculation stream of fluid and directing under pressure through the conduit, wherein an inside diameter and length of the conduit define a flow restriction; and one or more recirculation outlets defined in a stator unit downstream of the pump fluid intake, for delivering the recirculation stream of the fluid under pressure from the conduit and directing it at the pump fluid intake. A method is also taught for washing particulate from an intake end of a pump.